How do you care for a hybrid camper? (seasonal guide)
In this article, we will answer the following question: How do you care for a hybrid camper? We will provide you with a seasonal guide to care for a hybrid camper. We share with you our best tips, so make sure you keep reading!
How do you care for a hybrid camper?
Caring for a hybrid camper isn’t too different from caring for other types of RV. The only thing that you must keep in mind is that the canvas part of a hybrid camper must be cleaned and maintained regularly, to prevent leaks and further water damage in your camper.
A hybrid camper is a combination between a pop-up caravan and a traditional travel trailer. The trailer looks like a road trip trailer, but when you get to camp, it expands the areas to provide more space. Oftentimes this bonus room comes in expanded bedrooms that are located at the front and rear of the trailer. In more custom models, you get additional space in places like the living room and dining room.
This being said, let’s get to our seasonal guide for maintaining a hybrid camper.
Caring for a hybrid camper: Fall tips
Fall tip # 1: Check your camper
In the fall, you need to start preparing your camper for winter storage. Now is a good time to check for any signs of wear or damage to your trailer connectors. If they are not damaged, clean the electrical contacts and spray them with a water repellent such as WD-40. Also apply grease to any moving mechanical part such as the spare tire carrier, as this will help prevent components from rusting or freezing.
Fall Tip # 2: Prepare for storage
The final step in caravan maintenance is to make sure your living space is clean and mould free. The best way to do this is to vacuum and wash the entire interior of your trailer thoroughly. To prevent mould growth, keep all cupboard and storage doors (including the fridge) in the open position, as well as all other doors.
Remove seat cushions and store them at home or place them away from exterior walls (where temperatures can drop drastically). Cover any upholstery with a breathable canvas, such as cotton sheets, and leave fixed beds in the open position, as much as possible. Finally, check that all roof domes and windows are securely closed, and lightly coat the hinges with thin oil or lubricant such as WD-40 to protect them from rust.
Caring for a hybrid camper: Winter tips
Winter tip # 1: Get rid of the salt
The first step in winterizing your trailer is to make sure you get rid of any dirt and salt that may have accumulated on it. While the best way to go about it is to have it professionally cleaned, armed with time and patience (as well as a garden hose or pressure washer), you will also do very well. of business.
Remember to wash the underside of the trailer where dirt and salt can build up and cause corrosion and damage to the exterior finish, brake lines and engine parts.
Winter Tip # 2: Protect your plumbing
If you are storing your trailer for the winter and expect the temperature to drop below zero, there are a few things you need to do to protect your investment. The first important thing is to protect the plumbing of your caravan. As in the case of a house, the plumbing in a trailer can freeze and burst, causing considerable damage.
To prevent this from happening, you must drain all water tanks – including the drinking water tank, the water heater, and the black and grey water tanks. To make sure all the water has been drained from each hose, flush the toilet and turn on all faucets. Once it’s done, close the drain valve. Now is the time to add a non-toxic antifreeze approved for recreational vehicles.
When used properly, RV antifreeze will protect your trailer from extreme temperatures. Make sure that the antifreeze is designed specifically for RVs and that its label clearly indicates that the product is non-toxic and safe for use in drinking water systems. Also, remember to pour a small amount of antifreeze down each drain and into the toilet to prevent freezing and malfunctioning of siphons and valves.
Winter tip # 3: Keep it sealed
Now you need to make sure that every component of your trailer is closed and hermetically sealed. Begin with a visual inspection of the waterproofing device to verify that there are no cracks or chipping (if necessary, replace the seal before completing the winter preparation steps). Then, close each tank, window, door, retractable element and awning tightly, making sure that they are sealed, if applicable.
Winter tip # 4: Protect the battery
If your camper is stored in a place that offers a source of electricity during the winter, consider plugging it in. This will ensure that the battery and electrical system will hold a charge and operate the next time you decide to use your camper.
If you are unable to plug in your caravan, disconnect the battery or remove it. If you plan to store the battery in the trailer, remember to charge it every six weeks to prevent it from completely discharging – once dead, a battery can never fully recharge.
Winter tip 5: Put your hybrid trailer away
To decrease the risk of damage from wind, trees and debris, cover your trailer with a breathable cover. Many of the covers offered are coated with layers of UV protection.
Caring for a hybrid camper: Spring tips
Spring Tip # 1: Clean the water piper
When preparing your hybrid camper for use after winter storage, you should empty the plumbing and antifreeze tanks that have been poured into them to protect them from the cold. To drain your system, start by opening the cold water faucet closest to your drinking water tank.
Let the water run until it is clear. Repeat this action with each cold water faucet, toilet, and shower, until all of the flowing water is clear. Then locate the water heater and turn on the hot water tap closest to it. Wait until the flowing water is clear and repeat this action with each hot water tap and shower. When you are finished, open the bypass valve to allow water to fill the reservoirs.
Spring Tip # 2: Inspect your hybrid camper carefully
Just like you did in the fall before storing your camper, you must inspect it carefully and make sure there is no damage, leaks, presence of mould and mildew, etc.
Caring for a hybrid camper: Summer tips
Summer Tip # 1: Stay safe
Before refuelling, check that the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) detector is working properly. An LPG leak test will ensure the integrity of the system responsible for your caravan’s gas supply, central heating and water heater.
Summer tip # 2: Keep the hybrid camper in the shade
It is essential to keep your vehicle in the shade when parked. Also, always make sure your tires are in good shape before any trip and particularly during hot weather and high humidity. Do not open your windows at peak hours, and finally, make sure you use that AC!
The bottom line
FAQ on How do you care for a hybrid camper?
How do I prepare my camper for wintering?
Here are a few tips to prepare your camper for wintering:
- Empty the water heater.
- Empty and clean the toilet tanks.
- Remove the gas cylinder (s).
- Put the windows in the ventilation position.
- Open the bathroom door.
- Do not unscrew the feet.
- Do not put plastic sheeting on the caravan.
- Put the clean trailer in the garage.
How do you know if a camper can take a long trip?
To know if a camper can take a long trip you must:
- Check the engine.
- Measure the engine oil.
- Check the other liquids
- Check the clamps and other pipes that connect to the engine and radiator.
- Check the lights.
- Check the condition of the shock absorbers and suspension.
- Check the tire pressure.
- Check the battery.
Do RVs break down a lot?
RVs certainly break down a lot compared to cars or static caravans, but this will mainly depend on how well you maintain your RV and whether you service it yearly or not.
Other FAQs about Hybrid Trailers that you may be interested in.
How much does it cost to replace a canvas on a hybrid camper?
How do you stop condensation in a hybrid trailer?
How much wind can a hybrid camper take?
